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Christie Signs 'Patrick's Law' to Increase Animal Cruelty Penalties

Under the new law, failing to provide an animal with food, water or other necessities would be a fourth degree crime, up from a disorderly person’s offense. If the dog dies as a result of the treatment, it would be upped to a third degree crime.

August 8, 2013

New Jersey’s penalties for animal cruelty just got tougher.

Gov. Chris Christie today signed “Patrick’s Law,” (S1303) which was named after an emaciated pit bull found after it had been thrown down a trash chute.

Patrick’s case made national news and became an animal rights cause célèbre, in part because Patrick’s original owner, Kisha Curtis -- who pleaded guilty to animal cruelty on July 30 -- is not expected to face harsh penalties.

Under the new law, failing to provide an animal with food, water or other necessities would be a fourth degree crime, up from a disorderly person’s offense. If the dog dies as a result of the treatment, it would be upped to a third degree crime.